Faces of crooks: Enfield traffickers jailed total 26 years for exploiting vulnerable victims

Three members of an organised crime group in Enfield have been sentenced to a combined 26 years in prison for their role in human trafficking, forced labour, and money laundering.

Their convictions were the result of a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police.

The investigation, which began in January 2019, uncovered exploitation dating back to 2012, involving the trafficking of vulnerable individuals from the Czech Republic.

The group lured victims with false promises of jobs and housing, only to force them into exploitative conditions in London, Cambridge, and Bedford.

It is estimated the group earned up to £400,000 annually from their illegal activities. Victims, many of whom could not speak English, were made to sign deceptive contracts allowing their wages to be siphoned into the traffickers’ bank accounts. Despite working grueling hours, victims received only meager pocket money and were charged high rent fees.

The Metropolitan Police reviewed over 1,500 hours of CCTV footage to gather evidence. In total, 12 victims were rescued and supported by Justice and Care, a charity that partners with the police to combat human trafficking.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who led the investigation, emphasized the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and dismantling human trafficking networks.

“These criminals prey on people seeking a better life and force them into degrading conditions,” he said.

“By raising awareness and bringing offenders to justice, we aim to eradicate modern slavery from our communities.”

On 4 October 2024, Southwark Crown Court sentenced the three defendants, with Zdenek Drevenak, 38, receiving 13 years in prison; Jiri Cernohous, 49, sentenced to nine years and Martin Slovjak, 46, sentenced to four years.

Debi Lloyd, Head of UK Counter Trafficking Operations at Justice and Care, praised the survivors’ bravery and the police’s efforts in securing justice.

“This case highlights the crucial role of our navigators in supporting victims and building strong cases against traffickers,” she said.

The Metropolitan Police said it remained committed to cracking down on human trafficking and modern slavery as part of their “A New Met for London” strategy, which focuses on prevention, intervention, and collaboration with partners.